Your indoor environment is clean, your HVAC system is routinely maintained, and you use a good air filter. So, why are your allergies still acting up when you’re inside? Your Mathis, Texas, home may still have allergens floating around thanks to your houseplants. If you have a pollen allergy, take a hard look at the greenery you choose to keep indoors.
Pollen Production Means More Symptoms
Some house plants produce more pollen than others, and you want to avoid these house plants if you have pollen allergies. Flowers like daisies and chamomile look beautiful, but will have you sneezing in a heartbeat. Another culprit? Bonsai trees. If you love to snip and shape a bonsai, you might have to find a new hobby if it makes your allergies act up.
Avoid Flowers and Go for Leaves
Overall, plants with big leaves and no flowers are less likely to produce pollen in amounts that trigger your allergies. Both lady palm and bamboo palm are known to be effective air cleaners, and they’ll work to remove particulates from your air instead of adding pollen to it. One thing to remember about palms: they come in male and female varieties. Make sure you buy a female palm, not a male palm, if you want to avoid pollen production.
Remember Soil Can Grow Mold
Your house plants may not cause allergies thanks to the pollen, but thanks to mold growing in the soil. To keep mold from growing in your indoor plant soil, you can do a few things. Don’t over water your plants so they have constantly soggy soil. Keep them in a well-lit area and keep the air around them moving. Use sterile soil, and make sure to clean around the plant regularly.
If you have no houseplants but still suffer bad allergies indoor, call Bodine-Scott. Our technicians will examine your system and get to the root of your IAQ issues. Reach us by phone at (361) 883-9900.
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